RI sees crude oil output up

RI sees crude oil output up

JAKARTA: Indonesia expects crude oil output to increase up to
300,000 barrels a day next year as two oil fields are scheduled
to commence production then, Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo
said Friday.

"Each of the fields will produce between 100,000 and 150,000
barrels per day," the minister said, identifying the fields as
the onshore Cepu in Central Java and offshore West Seno in the
Makassar Strait.

Because of the expected increase in production, Purnomo said
the government may ask the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries to raise Indonesia's crude output quota next year.

Indonesia is the only South East Asian member of OPEC. Its
crude oil output stands around 1.2 million b/d.

Purnomo refused to comment on the government's stance on
whether OPEC should raise its output during a meeting next month
in Osaka, Japan.

He said the government is still studying the matter. --Dow
Jones